Marks & Spencer is further expanding its data academy by launching what it claims is not only an industry first but a world first to boot, by setting up a level seven data science and AI apprenticeship scheme.
The new scheme is part of the retailer’s long-term aim to digitally upskill its workforce and help put data at the heart of its decision making.
The strategy kicked off three years ago with the launch of its data academy, followed the appointment of its first ever chief digital and data officer Jeremy Pee, and then by setting up an entry-level data technician course.
The firm says its investment in data literacy programmes has already helped upskill 280 colleagues and 500 senior leaders.
M&S head of enterprise data Suzanne Howse said: “Since 2018 we’ve been on an all-encompassing journey to transform our business and make M&S special again.
“Having moved on from the ‘fixing the basics’ stage of our transformation, we’re now shaping the future of M&S, which is what our exciting new level seven apprenticeship is all about.”
Ultimately the programme is designed to make decisions made on data rather than just gut feel.
Howse added: “Unlocking this additional and previously untapped value is what will catapult us to the next level and stay ahead of our competitors. To put this in perspective, most businesses would feel privileged to have one level seven graduate in their workforce; we will have 10 – which underlines just how serious we are about data here at M&S.”
“There is this idea within the tech community that we’re now at the cusp of a new technological revolution, and that in order to survive in this post-digital economy, businesses must ensure they invest in their ABCs: artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the cloud.”
“We’re acutely aware of the opportunity that lies within data science at M&S. If you look at the typical ‘Plan’, ‘Buy’, ‘Move’, ‘Sell’ retail value chain, the potential for data science spans from the beginning of the design process for products, through to improved buying and allocation and finally into how we operate our stores and interact with our customers, which includes our Sparks loyalty programme.”
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